Bathing apparatus



(No Model.)

H. D. WARD. Bathing Apparatus.

No. 233,304. Patent ed Oct.,12,|880.

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N PEYERS. PNOTO-UTNOGRAPHER, WASHXNGTON D, C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY D. WARD, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

BATHING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 233,304, dated October 12, 1880.

Application filed April 17, 1880.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY D. WARD, of Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massach usetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bathing Apparatus; and I declare the following to be a description of my said invention sufficiently full, clear, and exact to enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a cheap, practical, and convenient portable apparatus adapted for ready attachment to an ordinary wash-tub for converting the same into a handy bath for the convenience of per sons who reside in country houses or tenements not furnished with the usual bathing facilities.

To this end my invention consists in an apparatus constructed and adapted for use as shown in the accompanying drawings and herein described, the subject-matter claimed being hereinafter definitely specified.

Figure '1 is a perspective view of my improved bathing apparatus. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view. Fig. 4 is a side view, on larger scale, of one of the supporting-bars. Fig. 5 is a view of the apparatus as folded when not in use. Fig. 6is a side view of the seat as folded;

and Figs. 7 and 8 are side and rear views, showing a modification in construction of the seat. 1

The letter A denotes a circular apron formed of oil-cloth, enameled cloth,rubber, or other suitable flexible water-proof material. This apron A is attached to a series of arms or supporting-bars, B, having at their inner ends jaws or griping-fingers b, which slip over the edge of the tub G, as indicated, and retain the arms B in a slightly-inclined position, so that the circular apron A forms a conically-dishing water-guard about the top of the tub, as illustrated, the inner edge, a, depending within the limit of the tub, so that any water falling upon the apron A will flow into the tub.

(No model.)

In the present instance the arms B are made from wood, with metal holding-jaws b, and the flexible apron A is secured thereto by tacks d; but, if desired, the entire arm could be of wire or metal, with the apron-cloth secured thereto in any suitable manner.

Rubber presser-pieces I) may be secured within the jaws b, so that the latter will fit closely onto the edge of the tub O.

E indicates a seat or chair arranged at one side of the apron, and supported on the edge of the tub O by jaws or griping-fingers e, similar to those of the arms B at its. front edge, while its rear support is by means of the legs f, as shown, which also extend up and form the side pieces of the back E. The back E and legs f are hinged to the seat at m, and the seat may be folded together, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

A hasp, I, serves to hold the parts in adjustment when folded or unfolded, as indicated; or, if preferred, other fastenings may be used.

When not in use the apron A and arms B are rolled up and placed within the folded seat E, as indicated in Fig. 5.

The apron A and seat E are connected by button-holes and studs it along the sides of the seat.

The parts are made of such sizes as to correspond with the ordinary sizes of washingtubs, and the apparatus can be readily adjusted onto such a tub, thereby converting it to a very convenient bath; then, when not in use, the apron can be rolled up, the seat folded, and the whole stored in a compact and close manner.

The aprons may, if desired, be made without the seat but I prefer the construction described.

The apron an d sea-t, made separate from the tub, can be furnished at a small cost, and may be applied to any ordinary tub, thus placing within the reach of all a practical and serviceable bathing apparatus.

What I claim as of my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The flexible apron provided with aseries of supporting-arms, adapted for attachment to the top of a wash-tub, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The folding chair or seat, in combination 5 with the flexible apron provided with supporting-arms, and adapted for attachment to a wash-tub. substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3. The combination, with the tub C, of the apron A, inclined supporting bars or arms B, 10 having jaws b, and the seat or chair E, substantially as set forth.

Witness my hand this 15th day of April, A.

HENRY D. WARD. Witnesses:

CHAS. H. BURLEIG-H, S. R. BARTON. 

